Adsorption of RB dye by Ce and Er Doped SnO2 Photocatalysts for Water Remediation

Abstract

This study focuses on synthesis of pure SnO2 nanoparticles and SnO2 nanoparticles doped with Erbium (Er) at 7% and Cerium (Ce) at 7% using sol-gel method. The aim was to evaluate their photocatalytic performance in degrading the harmful Rose bengal dye. XRD analysis confirmed that both undoped and rare earth-doped SnO2 nanoparticles exhibited a tetragonal rutile structure. Photoluminescence (PL) analysis revealed an increase in oxygen vacancy concentration with higher dopant incorporation. Furthermore, band gap of doped SnO2 nanoparticles was reduced compared to pure SnO2. The reduction in the band gap was primarily attributed to creation of vacancy defects caused by dopants. Photocatalytic experiments demonstrated that within 60 minutes of UV light exposure, Er 7% doped SnO2 nanoparticles achieved the degradation of 95.32% of Rose bengal dye. These findings highlight the potential of Er 7% doped SnO2 as a highly effective catalyst for large-scale degradation of industrial waste, specifically organic dyes.